asked the Minister for the Environment if his attention has been drawn to the increasing number of accidents at the railway bridge, Coote Street, Portlaoise, County Laois over which 27 trains travel daily between Dublin, Cork and Limerick and under which heavy articulated traffic with high loads on the regional route N80 is unable to pass by virtue of the bridge height; and if, in view of the fact that Laois County Council do not have sufficient funds to address the problem, he will grant-aid the project, having regard to the very serious consequences in the event of a derailment.
Written Answers. - County Laois Traffic Accidents.
171.
I am aware of the situation at Coote Street railway bridge.
The local authority has already achieved an increase in available clearance under the bridge from 12' 11" to 13' 6". The local authority, in consultation with my Department's engineering advisers, considered a number of options for further increasing the clearance height. I understand that the authority has concluded that the cost of such improvements on the existing alignment would be prohibitive. However, an alternative crossing of the railway line at Portlaoise is available via Ridge Road and Green Mill Road, which provide a link between the N7 and N80. I understand that the clearance under the railway bridge on this route is 14' 4", compared with 13' 6" in the case of the Coote Street bridge. Any arrangements for the diversion of high road traffic on to this alternative route are matters, in the first instance, for the local authority in consultation with the Garda Commissioner.